Wildlife Mandala Prayers
Throughout the year there are moments when I am 'between' specific devotion/prayer focuses. In those times I simply express my prayers in some alternate format. At the end of April, I finally finished a year-long project (with a break only for Lent 2018) of my Fifty Series, the 7th book starting in January and titled A New Year, New Beginnings. Whew! That particular book was the most involved as far as prayer drawings went with some very detailed pictures of churches all over the country. I was ready for a break and found the patterns in my workshop for some 'snowflake' style ocean theme mandalas to cut out. They became the basis for these very simple 'cut out' prayers. I tried to include an 'inspirational' quote featuring the cut-out in the center of each...that in itself was a challenge at times! Thank God for the internet and Google search!
Fourteen designs later, I am finding my 'stencil pattern' mandalas addicting. This may not just be a temporary pause in prayer design, but a focus all it's own! And there are plenty of wildlife specimens from which to choose!
I did a little research on Japanese poetry formats. Most included are haiku or cinquain with their syllable patterns of 5-7-5 or 2-4-6-8-2. There are a couple of limericks in rhyme as well.
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| 4.28.18 Seagull Prayers I was experimenting with patterns I found and fascinated by the results. I had no idea it would evolve into a whole series of wildlife designs! In one, unison Flocks of gray and snowy birds Ascend in new flight. |
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| 4.29.18 Crab Prayers Do you have any idea how hard it is to find an 'inspirational' quote about crabs? Pull up submerged rings Reds skitter to fast escape Get too close and OUCH! |
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| 4.30.18 Monkey Prayers This quote was one of Genia Tartaglino's favorites and I instantly thought of it when I found the monkey outline that I made for a school mandala class. High in the trees is a monkey ring Swinging freely, loudly they sing “This ain’t our dance, So pull up your pants!” Oh, to be part of the monkey fling! |
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| 5.1.18 Hummingbird Prayers I love the tiny beauty of hummingbirds and the colorful image of just tinting parts of the bird with splotches of pink and green. Wings pulsing in flight Colors bright reflect God-Light, A quick drink, then gone. |
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| 5.2.18 Butterfly Prayers Monarch Butterflies and the Milkweed that makes them thrive. Bending down to eye A bright bloom of orange and black, Flower flies away! |
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| 5.3.18 Eagle Prayers ...complete with my favorite eagle quote from the Bible. Piercing cry! Look up! Outstretched wings span deep blue skies Renewed strength and hope. |
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| 5.4.18 Frog Prayers. I collected frogs when I was young and still love their playful images. Kermit has many wise things to say! Rainbows, dreamers, me Together with pink lilies In frog ponds of life. |
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| 5.5.18 Honeybee Prayers I had fun trying to find a bright flower background to feature my bees! Together toil Flower to flower sipping sweet honey for all. A community effort. |
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| 5.6.18 Dolphin Prayers! It is appropriate to have a watery theme as today is our 'Submerged in God' Renewal Activity at the church. Playful dolphins chase In the wake of my sea boat Joy jumping in waves. |
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| 5.7.18 Panda Prayers I couldn't resist this tongue in cheek quotation, but KungFu Panda also had one I thought good: If the path you walk always leads back to yourself, you'll never get anywhere. Panda black and white Two colors, together one. Why can’t we do same? |
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| 5.8.18 Deer Prayers I liked Emily Dickinson's quote because it reminds us that adversary sometimes brings out the best in ourselves. But there was also a longer one from Chief Seattle that is filled with a sense of unity: We are part of the earth and it is part of us. The perfumed flowers are our sisters; the deer, the horse, the great eagle: these are our brothers. All things are connected like the blood which unites one's family. The lifeblood of earth Is community connection All one family. |
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| 5.9.18 Ant Prayers Perhaps the picnic cloth and the ant hill don't give a positive image, but the idea that ants work together for a common goal is certainly admirable! The ant captain said, ‘I find not one “I” in team!’ Together we work! |
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| 5.10.18 Seahorse Prayers I used a pattern from my 'Ocean Snowflakes' guide once again to create the seahorse mandala. An intricate design! Tiny sea creatures Equine yet delicate size Spirits swimming deep. |
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| 5.11.18 Elephant Prayers Horton the Elephant is classic Dr. Seuss! We can learn so much from the good doctor and his imaginative creatures! Find a deep mudhole, Wallow with glee and delight, Then shower each other. |
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| 5.12.18 Raccoon Prayers Raccoons have been a favorite of our family since Luke received a small stuffed one as a baby! Hide behind a mask With pitch black darkness of night You can find the fish. |
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| 5.13.18 Dragonfly Prayers There is something beautiful about the iridescent wings of the dragonfly. Iridescent wings Shimmer over still waters. God-Light everywhere. |
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| 5.14.18 Penguin Prayers The story of the penguin and pebble was new to me! This rock or that one? I must find the perfect stone to say, “Marry me?”! |
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| 5.15.18 Lizard Prayers I picked lizards only because I thought their outline, with sweeping tail and big toes, would make an interesting pattern! God fashioned lizards With big toes and curly tails Scaly skin beauties! |
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| 5.16.18 Giraffe Prayers I always think of Giraffes as gentle giant types of creatures! We can’t reach the stars Without using our talents - So stick out your neck! |
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| 5.17.18 Flamingo Prayers There is nothing prettier than a flock of pink flamingos gathered together in a marshy area. Drab gray. We all begin With undeveloped gifts. Time, growth and adversity make Bright pink. |
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| 5.18.18 Tree Frog Prayers This is the phrase we painted on the wall of a restroom at the church, along with a giant tree frog! When life turns stormy, FROG- Fully Rely on God. It works ev’ry time. |
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| 5.19.18 Dog Prayers I thought of my sister Margaret, her love for dogs, and how hers sit and patiently watch and wait as she fixes them dinner. Dog welcome is best. Tail wagging, tongue licking, LOVE. Unconditional. |
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| 5.20.18 Rooster Prayers I picked a rooster primarily because of their interesting shape, comb, and tail! And they like mornings as I do! When the rooster crows With orange disk of morning sun, Life dancing begins. |
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| 5.21.18 Cow Prayers There is something magical about hearing the cows mooing in the dusk of night. Twilight of ev’ning The quiet chorus of cow-song All is well. Good-night. |
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| 5.22.18 Manatee Prayers Luke got fascinated by manatees sometime during his teen years. Gentle sea creature With face of cow, tail of fish Teach us peace and love. |
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| 5.23.18 Zebra Prayers Just think of the amazing diversity of our world! Creator God has an incredible imagination! Only Creator God. Zebra black and white stripes. Hammer Shark, Octopus, Cobra Imagination. |
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| 5.24.18 Kangaroo Prayers I couldn't NOT include the classic Australian marsupial! Pocket-bag in hand, Jumps across the land. Small arms, giant thighs Hear no baby cries! |
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| 5.25.18 Bat Prayers Why do we give bats such a bad name when we should be in awe of their ability to adapt to what we would consider inhospitable habitat! No sight. Blissfully blind. Judge not first impression. Humans should emulate the bat Hear first. |
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| 5.26.18 Octopus Prayers Octopi remind me of mops let loose in swirling waters. Arms or legs of eight Swirling, spinning,swimming in Unknown direction. |
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| 5.27.18 Skunk Prayers Including a skunk was a must! Each of our family has a token forest animal and the skunk is MINE! Hopefully I don't raise that much of a stink! Tail up, raise alarm! Black and white beauty misleads. Odiferous spray! |
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| 5.28.18 Polar Bear Prayers I had trouble deciding between two quotes. The other one read:
Don’t
treat animals as animals. Treat them as livings beings. That’s
what they are.
-Anthony Douglas Williams
Equal.
One
in God’s eyes.
Share
this beautiful earth.
Human.
Flying. Swimming. Tame. Wild.
Sacred. |
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| 5.29.18 Alligator Prayers I'm not particularly in love with alligators - the way they can hide in muddy waters is a bit intimidating, but their corrugated skin and long tails make great designs! Murky waters - SMACK! Jaws bite with a ripple light No wonder big grin! |
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| 5.30.18 Cobra Prayers Why in the world a cobra? I guess I figured I needed to include a snake and it was more interesting than others! Hissing in the grass. Back away with stealth and caution. Danger lurks within. |
5.31.18 Pig Prayers
I couldn't decide between the Pyglet quote and one by Winston Churchill, so I use a haiku based on Churchill's statement 'I like pigs.'
Dogs look up to us.
Cats look downward
in disdain.
With pigs we’re
equals.
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| 6.1.18 Ladybug Prayers When I ponder ladybugs, I always think of dense clusters of the little orange ones you find filling the rock crevices at the top of Gorham Butte! “Ladybug, fly home.” Children’s rhyme demands, but no! Stay and eat aphids! |
6.2.18 Platypus Prayers
Really, Ginger...a platypus?? I don't know what possessed me because these creatures only live on the eastern coast of Australia. I've never seen one!
Platypus...a mess!
A nose of this, feet
of that,
What did God
combine?
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| 6.3.18 Beaver Prayers We have a family of beavers that is systematically cutting down the trees along the river walk through town. Fun to watch, but we need the trees!!! Buck teeth, oblong tail, Make dam,, build home, still waters, Just not MY river. |
6.4.18 Peacock Prayers
There is a wildlife preserve just south of Bandon, OR where the peacocks roam freely. Such beautiful birds even when their tail just drags on the ground!
One thinks peacocks
plain
Until pride spreads
out their tail
And green suns shimmer.
And green suns shimmer.
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| 6.5.18 Grizzly Bear Prayers Today is Rick's birthday and he is my 'bear' man. Happy Birthday Rick! My very own grizzled bear Love you ! Your honey. |
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| 6.6.18 Mouse Prayers We have emptied two sprung traps so far upon Bandon arrival. I don't want to kill you, little guys, but PLEASE stay outside! Little whiskers twitch Scampering feet, droppings found. Leave our Bandon house! |
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| 6.7.18 Angel Fish Prayers I am always fascinated by the variety of vibrancy of color in tropical fish. Flash of ocean light Shimmer tail, rad’iant colors Angels of the Sea. |
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| 6.8.18 Bluebird Prayers When we build our house in the country, I am going to surround it with bluebird houses and bird feeders! Red chest, sky-blue back Springtime melodies echo Welcome, friend bluebird! |
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| 6.9.18 Moose Prayers I have only encountered moose a couple times in the wild and that was from a distance. They looked huge even then! Bull Moose. Antlers spread wide. Long legs, beard, shaggy hide When you meet along water’s edge, Beware. |
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| 6.10.18 Lobster Prayers Having grown up on the west coast instead of New England, I know lobsters only from restaurants and their freshwater mini-cousins, the crawfish. Whiskers bright red shell Giant crawfish of the sea - Such a tasty treat! |
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| 6.11.18 Orca Prayers Beautiful to behold in a pod, these communal animals are fierce hunters of the sea. Shamu. Killer Whale. Diff’rent ways to view the same. It’s all perspective. |
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| 6.12.18 Tarantula Prayers Truly not sure why I had to include these large furry spiders, except I think they get a bum rap. Their bite isn't any worse than a bee sting. Fuzzy, hairy legs Erupt from oversized body Sight is worse than bite! |
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| 6.13.18 Salmon/Steelhead Prayers The inspiration for this mandala came after having steelhead for two nights in a row when we couldn't find affordable salmon. It was delicious!! Then we watched PBS special on the crucial salmon runs in Alaska to native populations and wildlife (bears!) Salmon - the life-blood Of natives, bears, eagles, more - Alaska’s pantry! |
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| 6.14.18 Caterpillar Prayers Change is part of living. I love the visual image of transformation as displayed from caterpillar to butterfly. Similar to the flight we can take when transformed through Christ. Existence is change. That implies transformation: Worm to Butterfly. |
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| 6.15.18 Armadillo Prayers Roadkill. Opossums in Oregon, raccoons back east, and in Texas? Armadillos!
Hurry,
big ‘rat’
with Medieval armored shell -Texas State roadkill. |
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| 6.16.18 Magpie Prayers While often thought of as 'nuisance' bird, the magpie has beautiful iridescent feathers! Thieves of shiny, bright, Trinkets and scrap create nests Of iridescence. |
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| 6.17.18 Walrus Prayers Dental work needed Perhaps Weight Watchers also. Lovable walrus! |
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| 6.18.18 Mountain Goat Prayers These rocky cliff dwellers of the heights are amazing to watch as the leap from ledge to ledge. Champion of heights, Leaping, jumping, rock to rock. Ice and snow lover. |
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| 6.19.18 Sea Turtle Prayers There is nothing more peaceful than watching these ungainly critters on land glide effortlessly through the waters. We each are perfect Holy creations of God Be content with self. |
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| 6.20.18 Starfish Prayers Like stars of the universe clinging to the outer reaches of the sky, the starfish hug the sea stacks of the beach. Bright orange stars of sea, Clinging to barnacled rock, Washed daily by God. |
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| 6.21.18 Caribou Prayers The first caribou sightings in Alaska were so exciting. After several weeks, I have to confess 'hum drum', there's another caribou. Don't take majesty for granted! Interdependent. All life on earth linked as one - God-made unity. |
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| 6.22.18 Rhinoceros Prayers Senseless slaughter by poachers of this magnificent creature is rampant in Africa. Populations are dwindling rapidly. Please, world! Stop killing Rhinoceros for its horn. They are dying out! |
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| 6.23.18 Rabbit Prayers I can't say rabbits are my favorite wildlife - they just are there, but an image of multiple rabbits always entertains me when we drive back to brother-in-law Randy's in rural NM and see the rabbits scatter from the road. Multiply ideas. Creative mind eruption Like rabbits turned loose. |
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| 6.24.18 Lion Prayers Aslan the Lion is the God-figure in the Chronicles of Naria by CS Lewis. Lions and truth remind one of Aslan, God-figure, Of Narnia tales. |
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| 6.25.18 Hippopotamus Prayers Our first images of hippos are lethargic, fat river dwellers, but they are actually fierce hunters (when not lounging in the muck!) Moments for soaring, Occasions of renewal Both are God-blessings. |
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| 6.26.18 Gorilla Prayers Dian Fossey has spent a lifetime living among the giant primates of the jungle and understanding their intricate society. Big ape reminders Of direct human linkage To all creation. |
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| 6.27.18 Harbor Seal Prayers The last time we were in Bandon, the rocks were covered with seals during the higher tides. I loved watching the waves crash and then heads pop up afterwards. I caught this one with fin up like he was waving at me! The surf crashes down Head and tail pop up, fin waves Playful seals on rock. |
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| 6.28.18 Grasshopper Prayers I'm still trying to figure out why I decided a grasshopper merited inclusion here, but maybe because I think they get a bum rap at times! They do make good fishing bait! Grasshopper, locust One celebrated, one scorned. Both God created. |
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| 6.29.18 Robin Prayers Springtime has no better herald than the first robin plucking worms from the snow-free grass. Hopping, plucking worms Songs of spring erupt from trees Red breast flash of light. |
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| 6.30.18 Koala Prayers I chose the Koala bear for today to celebrate Zach and Savannah's wedding up at Anthony Lakes! Cuddly little bears Holding tight to each other. On the marriage limb. |
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| 7.1.18 Porcupine Prayers Baker City used to have Porcupine races during their summer festival. Fun to watch but a little hard on the critters. Chubby, fuzzy, ‘cute’. Looks can be quite deceiving When you get too close! |
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| 7.2.18 Fox Prayers I wish I could say I have seen these playful, yet stealthy creatures, more often in the wild. Like a flash of light, Fox tails wave bushy presence Of forest dwellers. |
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| 7.3.18 Loon Prayers We don't often see loons out west, but we spotted three this spring on a lake at Glacier National Park. Beautiful. Glassy stillness calm Black and white arrows glide as Music fills the air. |
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| 7.4.18 Turkey Prayers Today's wildlife is in celebration of our nation's birthday - Stars and Stripes, fireworks, and the 'not national bird', the turkey!! Ben argued in jest For the turkey, not eagle On America’s seal. |
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| 7.5.18 Sheep Prayers Baker County, in the springtime, is a playground for lambs frolicking in the fields. I fear my country Is now led by a lion While we act as sheep. |
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| 7.6.18 Tide Pool Prayers All the images for this mandala were taken down in Bandon - my favorite place to explore the rocks at low tide! Noticed at low tides, Firmly attached to the rocks And fed twice daily. |
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| 7.7.18 Cardinal Prayers One of the most beautiful of birds, we don't see it in the western states as often. Sacred bird, blood red In the dead of winter’s chill Heaven’s angel comes. |
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| 7.8.18 Sea Otter Prayers Sea otters are some of the most delightful creatures to watch. Together floating Shells on belly for dinner Unity model. |
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| 7.9.18 Love Bird Prayers Today marks our 35th Wedding Anniversary! Together in love We bring out the best of each Thirty-five MORE years! |
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| 7.10.18 Tiger Prayers One of the most magnificent, yet feared, creatures on earth. I fear our leader Rides on a tiger blindly And fears jumping off. |
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| 7.11.18 Camel Prayers Today's drawing is dedicated to the memory of good friend, Pat Fessel, who died two years ago today. Pat collected camels of all sorts and sizes. Ridicule of one Does not make others better Why must we persist? |
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| 7.12.18 Hammerhead Prayers Such a strange looking creature, but it makes a superb mandala design! Fear not hammerheads! Of sharks they are most docile Patrolling the deep. |
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| 7.13.18 Squirrel Prayers The maple trees on the east side of our house are a playground for our resident squirrels. I love watched them leap from branch to branch, race across the fence top, and into the lilac tree. Failure to decide Is not the best decision Flat squirrels result. |
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| 7.14.18 Gecko Prayers These warm climate critters are fun to watch as they scurry in, around, and over everything! Quick! Look fast! Too slow! The geckos race over walls, Desert fairy life. |
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| 7.15.18 Sloth Prayers A sloth? Really? But I think they are good reminders that life doesn't have to be rush, rush! There is a time for everything and sometimes it is to relax and kick back! Maligned as lazy, Sloths often get a bum rap Just gentle giants. |
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| 7.16.18 Goldfish Prayers A bowl full of fantail goldfish is like having a bouquet of flowers constantly blowing in the wind. Flash of golden light, Shim’ring scales dart to and fro Blossoms on the go. |
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| 7.17.18 Puffin Prayers What is it about puffins that make you want to just gather them up and cuddle? Halloween shore birds, Black and orange and white plummage Decorate the rocks. |
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| 7.18.18 'Possum Prayers I didn't have room in the mandala today to include my 'Possum Quotation, so here it is - (I couldn't mess up the curly tails!!)
Convalescence.
Such an utter weakness that you lie like an animal hibernating,
playing possum. You float. You are adrift. Every current is stronger
than you.
-Anais
Nin
‘Possoms just respond as such |
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| 7.19.18 Jellyfish Prayers While I avoid stepping on their 'remains' along the beach and will always remember my brother Mac's jellyfish sting in our youth, there is something beautiful about translucent creatures drifting and pulsating through the water. Translucent sea light, Extended tentacles weaving Through the ocean depths. |
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| 7.20.18 Antelope Prayers These beautiful creatures dot the wild open spaces of our western lands. The white markings make them easy to identify! Sometimes it is best To let our soul-self run free And see where God leads. |
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| 7.21.18 Parrot Prayers Such colorful birds!! Such an array of choices for the mandala. I loved Will Rogers' quote! Repeat after me. Parrot chatter, right or wrong Gossip worth repeat? |
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| 7.22.18 Diamondback Prayers Even the dangerous diamondback rattlesnakes deserve their 'spot' in the sun! Watch the tail rattle, Listen for the snake warning Go another way! |
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| 7.23.18 Orangutan Prayers Jane Goddall, who studied all primates in their natural habitat, said that man's ancestors consistently cared for one another and their environment much better than their more 'developed' progeny! Primate ancestors Live in harmony with earth More ‘human’ than us. |
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| 7.24.18 Praying Mantis Prayers Mantis Factoid: After mating, the female mantis often bites the head off and kills the male. Looks can be deceiving! Sacred appearance Yet cannibal in action. A complex insect. |
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| 7.25.18 Gopher Prayers Our new property of 5 acres is spotted with gopher mounds. I have been warned they may eat what I try to get planted. Background of this mandala is the view of Elkhorn Peak from the property. We met with the architect again today! Little mounds of dirt Mark the presence of gophers Underground treason! |
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| 7.26.18 Snail Prayers Take time to stop and smell the roses! The background of this mandala is the Anthony Lakes basin - our backyard playground and a great 'scenic route'!! Slow down! Look around! The scenic route abounds in Camouflaged reward. |
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| 7.27.18 Kiwi Bird Prayers DO kiwi birds eat kiwis? According to Google, 'No', but the world would make better sense if they did! -Sebastian Millon(The background is a New Zealand landscape) What a funny bird- Mascot of New Zealanders Furry with long beak. |
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| 7.28.18 Banana Slug Prayers We find slugs all the time while in Bandon. The background photo is from the overgrown beach stairs this June where slugs were lurking! Black speckled yellow, Slugs leave slimy trails of ‘goo’ So no one likes them. |
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| 7.29.18 Cat Prayers I am not a 'cat person' but son Jed loves his Mittens and her soft fur and purr motor! You have dog people And then there are cat owners - Two breeds much apart! |
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| 7.30.18 Emu Prayers We have friends out in Richland who raised emus for a long time. Such curious birds, native of Australia! What kind of bird stands Six feet tall, doesn’t fly and Lays avocado eggs? |
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| 7.31.18 Raven Prayers Some of my favorite Pacific Northwest Native American art is of the raven with the sun in its mouth. Curious raven Seeking bright shiny objects The sun takes the cake! |
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| 8.1.18 Hummingbird Moth Prayers It is always fun to spy these tiny bird-like moths - mini hummingbirds (if you can get much smaller!) Their curled tongues distinguish them from the long beak of the hummer. You must look quickly When you hear the buzz, to see The hummingbird moth. |
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| 8.2.18 Centipede Prayers Who would have thought back at the end of April when I started this as a buffer prayer between other series that it would become the basis for ONE HUNDRED WILDLIFE PRAYERS!! Only fitting to end with the lowly, 100-legged, Centipede! Count to one hundred Centi-legs or wildlife prayers It’s a big number! |
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